Gateway hotel aims to differentiate itself in a crowded market

PUNE: In a bid to differentiate itself in a competitive market, the newly launched Gateway Hotel in Pune boasts of two unique features. It is among the first to offer the option of holding night conferences, in tandem with the work hours of the IT and BPO firms that surround it. And in a nod to the auto industry in Pune, the banquet rooms offer enough space to be able to drive a car in, to have a car launch there.

City based developer Paranjape Schemes has tied up with TajHotels Resorts and Palaces to launch the first Gateway branded property in the city. Located in Hinjewadi, the IT hub of Pune, the hotel is owned by PSC Pacific, a Paranjape Schemes venture, and will be managed by the Taj. This is the 28th Gateway property. Farhat Jamal, senior vice president-operations (West India and Africa), Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces said, "This is an important location for us. The IT hub is growing exponentially and the hotel is in close proximity to other industries as well. With the Balewadi sports complex and Gahunje stadium close by, we expect to see business coming from various areas."

Built at an investment of about Rs 115cr, the hotel has 150 rooms and is spread over three acres. This is part of a larger development that includes a mall and a multiplex. This is the real estate company's first foray in to the hospitality sector. Shashank Paranjape, managing director, Paranjape Schemes said, "This was the logical next step in our expansion and diversification plan. Our ethics matched with the Taj Group, making them the ideal brand for us to partner."

The management contract has been signed for an eight year term. Gateway is the full service upscale brand from the Taj Group, which also operates a Vivanta in the city.